Levies contained hidden consequences

Each of the three recent tax levies in Fairfield County was presented as a replacement levy.

I'd be interested to know how many people, regardless of how - or even if - they voted, knew the following things about those levies.

County roads and bridges sure seemed like a noble enough cause. How many people realize voters just made that levy a forever tax? There will be no more voting sessions to continue it - ever. It will leave the minds of society because it will just exist. Ten or so years from now - when budgets have been shifted, when older voters have forgotten and there are 10 years of "fresh" voters who are unaware of that forever tax - a new "temporary" levy will be introduced. It no doubt will serve some pressing need at the time. Eventually, with persistence, it will pass and ultimately be a forever tax, just like the last one.

When will the "slice" of your pie be the only part you have left?

The library also seemed like a righteous thing to fund. That levy didn't sneak any "forever" in on the voters. It remained a "temporary" tax. How many people realized the rate was increased? Yes, our taxes are going to go up.

The "Meals on Wheels" levy (it was commonly associated with that service), probably deserved to pass the most. The recent events triggering a state audit was enough to make me hesitate and vote no until it all got sorted out. I can't help but wonder if the election would have been different if every voter in the county had been fully aware of the details. Perhaps they were aware. I'd just like to know if anyone would say, "Well, if I had known that ..."

Please make sure you always are educated about the issues at hand, and then vote. Results might remain the same and still not thrill me, but it's not about me - it's about us.

The more enlightened we all become, the brighter our future will be.

Adam Hoffman, Lancaster

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Levies contained hidden consequences

Each of the three recent tax levies in Fairfield County was presented as a replacement levy.